From everything we can tell, the social media post suggesting that the Pittsburgh Steelers called the Jacksonville Jaguars about a potential trade for Trevor Lawrence was bogus. Some of the more prominent NFL insiders have been unable to confirm the call ever took place while some are flat-out saying it never did. The entire thing highlights two important issues moving forward.
The most obvious is that this is likely to not be the only time this will happen. The Steelers need a quarterback. It’s the most important position in professional sports. Anytime someone gets an idea or some inspiration they will go ahead and post it. Why? Because apparently, the risk of being wrong is outweighed by the “glory” of being correct.
This type of thing isn’t new – especially for Steelers fans – it’s something we’ve grown used to unfortunately. Misinformation via social media is now the norm but it still gains traction because fans are desperate for both information and a new quarterback.
That brings me to the second part of this. Because Omar Khan and the front office are in the throes of finding a new quarterback, this stuff will only happen more often. And to a degree, it should. If the Steelers haven’t called about Lawrence, they should. They should also be calling about Justin Herbert or Dak Prescott or Kyler Murray. No, no… I’m not suggesting I am in favor of these options but Omar Khan has to do his job and upgrade the QB room so yes, every call should be made.
You make these calls simply because they’re worth it. They help establish relationships with other GMs and they help foster relationships that Khan in this case, may already have. These relationships can be the difference in whether you have to give up a first rounder or a second rounder. They can also be the difference in whether you have to pay the entire contract or whether the trading team picks up some cost. One just never knows and that’s why the time is taken to make the calls.
There are no guarantees of course and for all we know the Steelers could end up starting Kyle Allen with Skylar Thompson backing him up. Should this happen? I don’t see anyone trying to get the jump on social media to announce it.
